A national conference on feasts should be organised involving the Church, civil authorities and the various clubs and associations that are involved, according to youngsters.

The suggestions were made during a meeting at St Monica school, Birkirkara, on Friday evening between Archbishop Paul Cremona and youngsters involved in the organisation of feasts, such as band clubs and feast decoration committees, or in the manufacture or fund-raising for fireworks.

Other suggestions concerned Church regulations on external festivities and the criteria used to decide whether or not to grant permission for particular clubs to celebrate a Mass on special occasions. Mgr Cremona said that all the comments and suggestions made would be considered.

The meeting, themed 'What role do youth who love feasts have in the Church?', was the first of its kind and Mgr Cremona said that such meetings should be held every year.